The challenges of climate change-induced migration and displacement

Abstract

There is much talk of a ‘crisis’ of global displacement. According to the UN High Commissioner for refugees, there were 26.6 million refugees by mid-2021. These numbers have grown as a result of conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine. It is anticipated that the climate crisis could be a key cause of migration and displacement in the future, although, it is already the case that it is a potential and actual cause of migration and displacement. In this panel, we will consider the causes, forms and effects of migration linked to climate change. We will look at the diversity of these causes, distinguishing between the effects of natural disasters, extreme weather events and slower onset climate change. We will also seek to link these potential causes to migration/displacement outcomes and to consider the factors that can shape the distance, direction and duration of migration and displacement linked to climate change now and in the future. These outcomes can include migration and displacement across state boundaries, but can also make it more difficult for some people to move and raise issues around both mobility and immobility. It is also the case that some of this migration and displacement could occur towards rather than away from risk if it is, for example towards rapidly growing urban areas where new migrants can face increased exposure to environmental hazards of various forms. The panel will also explore the effects of and potential for legal, socio-economic, and political frameworks for climate change-induced migration and displacement and for fostering increased public awareness of the issues.